I booked a gig for an October Saturday. The client changed dates which still worked for both of us. I got a call from a production company I do work for and booked a job for the vacated date, sent contract. It was a smaller job but a bird in the hand. Then I got a call from another production company looking for my full band for twice the amount for that date. I referred them to a friend of mine as I was booked. Again a I had my bird in the hand, though I wished I had a bigger one-but I wasn't going hungry.

The day after I got my signed contract back I got a call from pro co #1 telling me the client cancelled due to finances. But he promised to make it up to me and I have had some very good jobs from him so I did not complain - I am certain he will. So I call pro co#2 hoping to get the fatter bird and have not heard back from them- the job may have been given to the friend I referred.

So contract or not, preserving the relationship with pro co #1 was more important than the booking. I may still have a shot with pro co #2, and it is a popular date. I expect more offers for this date and won't go hungry....